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http://mmqb.si.com/2014/11/13/nfl-week-11-settle-this-greg-bedard-st-louis-rams-quarterback/
Scott Kane/AP
Are the Rams a Quarterback Away From Being a Quality Team?
The all-knowing “Wet Blanket of Reason” tackles that question.
By Greg A. Bedard
#SettleThis: Are Rams really a quarterback away from being a quality team? Heard it several times, but what does the film say?
— Lucas Bruton, @LukeBrute
We first need to define “quality team.” I’ll say that means a winning team, which they haven’t been since 2003, although they’ve been close several times. The short answer, Lucas, is yes, because I like their defense and some of their offensive pieces. But I don’t think getting consistent quarterback play means they’ll suddenly rise to the top of the NFC West.
Consistent quality play from the quarterback position is the Rams’ biggest missing puzzle piece. How do they get that? They can’t just keep the status quo. Like I said in March about the Bengals, “If the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results, then the Bengals are certifiable when it comes to quarterback Andy Dalton.”
If the Rams put all their eggs in the Sam Bradford basket again, then they’re crazy and everyone should be fired. I still think Bradford can be a good pro, but the Rams have to throw multiple options at the quarterback position and sort it out later.
The new rookie contracts mandate that, and it’s borderline criminal that the Rams haven’t invested in a quarterback—at least someone to develop—since taking Bradford in 2010 (2014 sixth-rounder Garrett Gilbert was cut from the practice squad a few weeks ago). The starter since Bradford went on IR, Austin Davis has certainly made some plays, but he is not an NFL starting quarterback unless he develops significantly; he does not see the field well enough. Shaun Hill is a solid backup.
After two ACL surgeries, Bradford can be brought back but not at his $16.6 million salary cap number. He should return under a reduced, incentive-laden deal. If he balks at that, the Rams should just move on. Even if Bradford returns the team still needs a franchise quarterback for the future, and they need to draft one high. If both Bradford and the draft prospect develop, one can be traded down the line. That’s a problem the Rams need to get themselves into.
But there’s still other work to be done. The interior of the offensive line needs to be revamped, specifically left guard Davin Joseph and center Scott Wells. The Rams will have to make a decision on tackle Jake Long; moving on from him would save $8 million against the cap.
The Rams also need to find a legit No. 1 receiver and a consistent weapon at tight end (Jared Cook has played better this year but hasn’t maximized his physical talent). I like Tre Mason at running back; Tavon Austin has been used better this season, and the Rams have solid receivers.
Defensively, coordinator Gregg Williams could really use a more dynamic middle linebacker than James Laurinaitis. I don’t care about tackle numbers; he’s average against the run and poor against the pass. I’m sure Laurinaitis will stick around since his cap number drops from $9.65 million to $4.275 million and you can certainly win with him, but the Rams can do better. Linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar needs to be replaced. Other than that, I like the pieces the Rams have on defense and Williams knows how to make them work.
So, Lucas, I believe the Rams have most of the important pieces needed and are just lacking a competent quarterback who can make them a quality, winning team. But taking that next step is easier said than done. They just can’t wait for Bradford to get healthy again.
Scott Kane/AP
Are the Rams a Quarterback Away From Being a Quality Team?
The all-knowing “Wet Blanket of Reason” tackles that question.
By Greg A. Bedard
#SettleThis: Are Rams really a quarterback away from being a quality team? Heard it several times, but what does the film say?
— Lucas Bruton, @LukeBrute
We first need to define “quality team.” I’ll say that means a winning team, which they haven’t been since 2003, although they’ve been close several times. The short answer, Lucas, is yes, because I like their defense and some of their offensive pieces. But I don’t think getting consistent quarterback play means they’ll suddenly rise to the top of the NFC West.
Consistent quality play from the quarterback position is the Rams’ biggest missing puzzle piece. How do they get that? They can’t just keep the status quo. Like I said in March about the Bengals, “If the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results, then the Bengals are certifiable when it comes to quarterback Andy Dalton.”
If the Rams put all their eggs in the Sam Bradford basket again, then they’re crazy and everyone should be fired. I still think Bradford can be a good pro, but the Rams have to throw multiple options at the quarterback position and sort it out later.
The new rookie contracts mandate that, and it’s borderline criminal that the Rams haven’t invested in a quarterback—at least someone to develop—since taking Bradford in 2010 (2014 sixth-rounder Garrett Gilbert was cut from the practice squad a few weeks ago). The starter since Bradford went on IR, Austin Davis has certainly made some plays, but he is not an NFL starting quarterback unless he develops significantly; he does not see the field well enough. Shaun Hill is a solid backup.
After two ACL surgeries, Bradford can be brought back but not at his $16.6 million salary cap number. He should return under a reduced, incentive-laden deal. If he balks at that, the Rams should just move on. Even if Bradford returns the team still needs a franchise quarterback for the future, and they need to draft one high. If both Bradford and the draft prospect develop, one can be traded down the line. That’s a problem the Rams need to get themselves into.
But there’s still other work to be done. The interior of the offensive line needs to be revamped, specifically left guard Davin Joseph and center Scott Wells. The Rams will have to make a decision on tackle Jake Long; moving on from him would save $8 million against the cap.
The Rams also need to find a legit No. 1 receiver and a consistent weapon at tight end (Jared Cook has played better this year but hasn’t maximized his physical talent). I like Tre Mason at running back; Tavon Austin has been used better this season, and the Rams have solid receivers.
Defensively, coordinator Gregg Williams could really use a more dynamic middle linebacker than James Laurinaitis. I don’t care about tackle numbers; he’s average against the run and poor against the pass. I’m sure Laurinaitis will stick around since his cap number drops from $9.65 million to $4.275 million and you can certainly win with him, but the Rams can do better. Linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar needs to be replaced. Other than that, I like the pieces the Rams have on defense and Williams knows how to make them work.
So, Lucas, I believe the Rams have most of the important pieces needed and are just lacking a competent quarterback who can make them a quality, winning team. But taking that next step is easier said than done. They just can’t wait for Bradford to get healthy again.
